Those pesky rabbits

[CharlesP]

When shooting rabbit targets in local competitions they are frequently set up in such a manner that they leap into the air as they encounter rubber mat or some such with a crease or bump in it.

This bump is often missed by the rabbit, which carries on in a flat run across the ground. Given the requirement that targets should be similar for all competitors am I entitled to claim a "no bird" (or "no mammal") for those that don't leap?

 

[Worcs]

That's why I hate rabbits, their always so inconstant. Also, they always seem deceptive to the amount of lead needed. 

They had a "squirrel" target at Cotswold at the weekend; a very close, very slow rabbit that was rolled down a ramp, with the trap only releasing and giving no push to the clay, then there was a small gap between two hay bails where you got a glimpse of the bugger then another gap where you could shoot it. It looked very easy, but judging by the pile of unbroken clays, it wasn't. Sorry if squirrel's are a common target but I'd never heard of them.

 

[schmokinn]

Didn't miss one of them jumping or not,rabbits may vary  :lol:

 

[Bebo]

That's why I hate rabbits, their always so inconstant. Also, they always seem deceptive to the amount of lead needed. 

They had a "squirrel" target at Cotswold at the weekend; a very close, very slow rabbit that was rolled down a ramp, with the trap only releasing and giving no push to the clay, then there was a small gap between two hay bails where you got a glimpse of the bugger then another gap where you could shoot it. It looked very easy, but judging by the pile of unbroken clays, it wasn't. Sorry if squirrel's are a common target but I'd never heard of them.

The put on a similar target at Sporting Targets, but call it a rat.  I hate it. If it is really really slow, if you use any gun movement at all you end up in front.  I've been told to hold the gun where it is going to be and then shoot it when it gets there with no gun movement.  I struggle as I like gun movement.

There was a target at Horne not long ago where it came out from behind a tree in the air and then tolled up him to a standstill.  Everyone before me was shooting it as it came to a stop.  I tried and missed, so changed and hit all of the rest of them either in the air or as they were just hitting the ground.

 

[P1Fanatic]

For slow rabbits I tend to find, especially if L-R as left handed, I have to aim at the back edge of the clay or even behind it otherwise miss in front.

 

[FreeShot]

It is interesting how rabbit is usually one of the easiest clays for beginners. It is later on when it become the bogey one.

Try to close one eye (not the leading one) on close/slow rabbits - might help.

 

[Finners]

I think a lot of people shoot over the top at rabbit. I try to shoot almost into or at least along the line of the ground, for me that takes some conscious effort. 

 

[P1Fanatic]

It is interesting how rabbit is usually one of the easiest clays for beginners. It is later on when it become the bogey one.

Try to close one eye (not the leading one) on close/slow rabbits - might help.

Never thought of it like that but you are spot on. If I struggle on a rabbit I do close one eye.

 

[Doug Pinnegar]

I have to aim for its proverbial backside otherwise I'm in front or over the top.

 

[AW13]

Front paw for me unless it is long range then I shoot it like a crosser 

 

[westley]

If you are having a problem with 'Pesky Wabbits', pop over to a certain PW site where someone is advertising Ferret Kits  !  Having built your own Ferret, you should be able to use that, to control your Rabbit problem  !

 

[chippy]

I find the best way to shoot rabbit clays is using a 32g 5 or 6 shot cartridge and shoot well under it. the shot bounces off hard ground and will still break the clay.

 

[schmokinn]

No Rabbits there today Charles...then again didn't see you either.

They scare you off?

 

[CharlesP]

No I was there. We started early.

I can't say I covered myself with glory, but couldn't stay for another round. Had to content myself with a 35. Good to see them trying the six stand layout, I reckoned it was a good selection of targets today. My excuse today is tactical sneezing by a member of my squad. Underhanded, I thought!

 

[Skeet UK]

I have to agree that larger shot size, is my preference for rabbits, rather than smaller.

Rabbits are hard and not moving fast enough to rely on centripetal force, to rip it apart.

An edge on rabbit is just begging for big fat pellets!